Chefs Battle for Bragging Rights at NMSU’s 575 Food Fights
Food enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Get ready for a thrilling culinary showdown at New Mexico State University’s 575 Food Fights. This live cooking competition takes place in the vibrant Gerald Thomas Hall, where culinary talents go head-to-head, using unexpected secret ingredients to impress judges and claim victory.
The Culinary Challenge: Mystery Ingredients
Imagine the pressure as chefs scramble to combine Asiago cheese, white pumpkin, and cotton candy into two extraordinary dishes—all within just 60 minutes. Colleen Caldwell, a former fishery biologist turned culinary student, faced this daunting task in a recent bout.
“When they revealed the third ingredient, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what can I make with cotton candy?’” Caldwell shared. Despite the high stakes, she crafted a stunning roasted pumpkin salad and a creative pumpkin soup featuring her unexpected ingredients for a perfect salty-sweet balance.
A Journey from Biology to Culinary Excellence
Caldwell’s journey is inspiring. After a remarkable 40-year career as a fishery biologist, she earned her culinary degree from Doña Ana Community College in May 2025. Experimenting in such a high-pressure environment at 575 Food Fights reignited her passion, remarking, “It was absolutely amazing! I loved every second of it.”
The competition may have bested Caldwell, but the real victory was the unforgettable experience of cooking in a professional setting.
The Vision Behind 575 Food Fights
Founded by the innovative Chef Danielle Young, the 575 Food Fights have blossomed since their inception in spring 2025. Inspired by the successful 505 Food Fights in Albuquerque, Young aimed to revitalize the local culinary scene while giving aspiring chefs a chance to engage professionally.
“When I arrived, I noticed a lack of a culinary community for chefs. I wanted to bring that dynamic to Las Cruces,” Young explained. Her vision has materialized into an exhilarating bracket-style competition that embraces culinary creativity.
How It Works: A Competitive Twist
Here’s how the action unfolds: Contestants face off in NMSU’s Westside Bistro, racing against the clock to devise, prepare, and plate two innovative dishes before a live audience. But there’s a catch—participants must cleverly incorporate three secret ingredients into their creations, two in the first dish and all three in the second.
Each week, a panel of judges evaluates the culinary masterpieces, with the ultimate winner announced four weeks later after an electrifying final showdown.
Exciting Community Engagement
The 575 Food Fights attract not only professional chefs but also students and community members, each competing in their own brackets. Spectators delight in watching the culinary antics unfold from the Bistro’s dining room.
“Our students adore being part of the competition, and I want to encourage more community collaboration,” shared Young. This vibrant energy fosters an inviting atmosphere, appealing to both seasoned chefs and budding culinary stars.
Celebrating Recent Winners
Recent victors of this thrilling culinary battleground include Ivan Saenz, owner of the beloved Luchador food truck, among others like Elizabeth Quintana from DACC and Chris Ortiz, an HRTM graduate. With each competition, the excitement grows, promising many culinary spectacles to come.
Looking Ahead: The Future of 575 Food Fights
The competitive spirit continues as 575 Food Fights gears up for another exciting season in fall 2025. To stay updated on future events and competitions, visit the NMSU HRTM website and embrace the delicious journey awaiting around the corner.
For more enticing stories from the culinary world, check out the Panorama Magazine.
With exhilarating culinary battles and a focus on community engagement, 575 Food Fights not only delights participants but also serves up a feast of local talent, innovation, and camaraderie. So, whether you’re a contestant, spectator, or simply a food lover, this competition is not to be missed!
